Prevnar 13®, also known as Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), is a vaccine used to protect against diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This bacterium is responsible for various infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.
The vaccine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine vaccination in infants and young children. It is also recommended for people 65 years of age and older, as well as adults between 19 and 64 years old who have certain medical conditions.
Prevnar 13® is designed to help the body build immunity against the 13 pneumococcal serotypes responsible for most of the infections caused by the bacterium. These serotypes are often associated with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children, which can lead to serious illness or death.
The vaccine is administered as a series of four doses, with the first dose given at 2 months and the final dose given at 12 months. The vaccine can also be given to older children and adults who have never been vaccinated for pneumococcal disease, or who need a booster dose.
Prevnar 13® works by using a protein from the diphtheria toxoid to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that fight against the 13 pneumococcal serotypes. By doing so, the vaccine provides protection against the S. pneumoniae bacterium and associated infections.
The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, typically resolving on their own within a few days. In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as high fever, seizures, or allergic reactions.
Due to its effectiveness, the wide spread of pneumococcal disease, and the severity of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Prevnar 13® is considered an important vaccine for public health. It is highly effective in preventing IPD, pneumonia, and other invasive pneumococcal diseases.
Overall, Prevnar 13® has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing pneumococcal infections, especially in young children. However, it should not be used as a substitute for standard preventative measures such as good hygiene and avoiding exposure to infected individuals. It is important to discuss the vaccine with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right option for individual use.
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